What Happens After a Heart Attack?
Good news! Statistics show that most people do not die after experiencing a heart attack.
The body is a robust organism and will usually do a good job at bouncing back into action even after something this serious. This is not to say that there will not be after effects, though, and surviving the attack itself is just the first step on what is likely to be a long process of recovery. Heart attack after effects vary widely in their severity and in the manner of their manifestation, and each person will experience different symptoms and face unique challenges.
Recovery Period
Advances in medical science have meant that heart attack survivors require a much shorter time in hospital than used to be the case, and being discharged within a week is not uncommon. Improved drugs and monitoring techniques also ensure that people remain healthier after their heart attacks. You should be able to resume normal activities over three to six weeks, but your doctor will give you a more sure indication of when this can be.
The After Effects
Some of the after effects you may experience following a heart attack are:
- Depression, hopelessness or fear. A study has shown that more heart attack sufferers fear another heart attack more than they fear death from another cause. Depression is a well known and understood after effect of any major trauma, and support groups and counselors are well equipped to help.
- Tiredness and fatigue. Your body has just experienced a major change, and your heart muscle needs to be built up and strengthened again. It will have trouble getting enough oxygen to your body for a while, and as such you will probably feel more tired than you would before the attack; this is completely natural. Remember: there is no shame in taking a nap!
- Anger. Many patients feel angry at themselves, angry at the situation, and angry at the world in general. Again, this is normal, and again this is something that counselors and support groups can be a huge help with.
- Chest pain or angina. You may be left with chest pain (angina). This is usually controlled with medication, so you need to tell your doctor right away if you're experiencing any such pain. Angina usually comes and goes very quickly, but this doesn't mean that it can be ignored.
Medicine, Exercise and Diet
In almost all cases, heart attack victims will require regular monitoring and medication. It is important to follow the doctor's instructions in each case. You will probably also be advised to make some changes to your diet and to increase the amount and type of exercise that you undertake. Don't overdo the exercise and again follow your doctor's instructions. In addition to helping your heart to recover and become stronger, exercise will alleviate the feelings of depression and stress.
Over 90% of people feel like they have a new lease of life after a heart attack which comes about from what is perceived to be a 'second chance' a life. Try to look at the heart attack as an experience from which you can gain something useful.